The two-day Talk-to-the-Regulator Stakeholders Consultative Forum organized by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, was a success.
To have frank discussions and address the problems facing Nigeria’s rapidly developing telecom sector, the event brought together industry leaders, licensees, and representatives from telecommunication companies.
In his keynote address, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, the executive vice chairman of the NCC, acknowledged the crucial contribution of the communications industry to Nigeria’s economic development.
Prof. Danbatta emphasized the NCC’s dedication to making sure that all Nigerians have access to affordable and reliable telecommunications services as well as the recent licensing of 5G network services.
“We believe that the deployment of 5G Technology Services will ensure that Nigeria maximizes the benefits of the 4th Industrial Revolution while being sufficiently prepared for any attendant risk that may occur,” Prof. Danbatta emphasized. The Commission has done a good job of positioning the country to take advantage of these advantages.
The Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Mr. Adeleke Adewolu, spoke about the significance of comprehending regulatory obligations and dispelling myths.
According to him, maintaining the integrity of the regulatory instruments that the regulator has issued while securing the support of all stakeholders is the path to regulatory efficiency.
The Director of the Licencing and Authorization Department, Mr. Mohammed Babajika, provided information about the NCC’s ongoing efforts to take into account new trends.
According to him, service delivery is being redefined by technological advancements like artificial intelligence, big data, network as a service, and the Internet of Things. To stay current with trends around the world and support the expansion of the industry, we are currently reviewing our license categories.
Babajika further explained, “The licensing of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) will improve the telecommunication output of the country, enable the expansion and availability of quality mobile coverage, and close the gap for the unserved and underserved population in Nigeria.”
A welcome address was delivered by Venny Eze, the Zonal Controller of the Port Harcourt Zonal Office.
Eze expressed gratitude to the attendees and emphasized the importance of the forum in creating a platform for dialogue between the NCC, licensees, and other industry stakeholders.
She highlighted the event’s theme, “Enhancing Stakeholders’ Satisfaction,” and encouraged active participation and the sharing of ideas.
Eze stated, “This forum provides a rare occasion that would enable the Commission to identify the challenges confronting the industry from the pragmatic point of view of the industry players. Licensees are expected to engage the regulator through robust discussions, to identify the various challenges affecting their operations while making suggestions requiring regulatory interventions.”
Participants actively raised concerns, shared personal stories, and put forth workable solutions to the industry’s problems as the two-day forum went on.
The NCC acknowledged the suggestions and assured the participants that their opinions would be taken into account when making decisions and developing regulatory policies.
The stakeholders acknowledged the value of ongoing communication between the regulator and the sector, seeing it as a driver of innovation, expansion, and better service provision.
The forum, originally scheduled for 2022, was postponed due to a devastating flood disaster that affected Bayelsa State and other regions.
